Transcript of "Public Opinion Landscape - October 10, 2012"

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Election 2012: A Brief Overview and Analysis October 10, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Slide1. Political Context………………………………………………………….………..32. Views of the Candidates..……………………………………………….…….63. Battle for the Presidency: The Horse Race ……………..….……...104. Battleground States……….……………………………………………...……155. Battle for Congress……………………….……………………….…………...236. The Debates……………………………………………………………………….27 2

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NUMBER WHO THINK COUNTRY IS ON THE WRONGTRACK TRENDING DOWN; JOBS IS TOP ISSUE As of October 9, 2012 Which of the following do you see as the most important issue facing the country right now? PROBLEM % WRONG TRACK 54.7% Unemployment and jobs 43 The federal deficit 14 Health care 11 Gas prices 7 The situation in the 6 Middle East Taxes 4 RIGHT DIRECTION 38.4% Immigration 3 Terrorism 3 Source: Bloomberg National Poll, September 21-24, 2012Source: Pollster.com Aggregate Data 4

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FOLLOWING DEBATE, ROMNEY’S SUPPORTERS FAR MORE ENGAGED IN THE CAMPAIGN THAN THEY WERE IN SEPTEMBER Among Registered Voters 5Source: Pew Research Center Poll, October 4-7, 2012

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ROMNEY PULLS EVEN AS “STRONG LEADER” As I read a list of phrases, tell me if you think each phrase better describes Mitt Romney or Barack Obama? Obama Romney Before After Debate Debate Before After Before After Before After Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate 66% 59% 51% 52% 45% 48% 44% 44% 44% 42% 38% 39% 35% 34% 30% 23% Is a strong leader Is willing to work Is honest and Connects well with with leaders from truthful ordinary Americans the other party Among Registered Voters 13Source: Pew Research Center Poll, Oct 4-7, 2012 Note: “Both (vol.),” “Neither (vol.),” and “No opinion” results are not shown.

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VOTERS NOW PREFER THE SAME PARTY TO HAVE CONTROL OF CONGRESS AND PRESIDENCY In general, do you think that it is better for the same political party to control both the Congress and the presidency, so they can work together more closely, or do you think that it is better to have different political parties controlling Congress and the presidency to prevent either one from going too far? 80% 70% 64% 67% 67% 62% Better if same party 60% 52% controls Congress 47% 44% 47% 48% and the presidency 50% 40% 43% 41% 41% 30% 39% 39% Better if different 31% parties control 20% 28% 23% 24% Congress and the 10% presidency 0% 26Source: NBC News/WSJ Survey, September 26-30, 2012

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GPG ResearchGPG has a full-scale internal research team offering the full complement of qualitative andquantitative public opinion research services. We use research to inform messagedevelopment and communication strategy, as well as to help clients assess and monitorcritical issues and track the effectiveness of strategic communication campaigns.GPG has a deep experience conducting research about complex political topics with diverseaudiences. We go beyond the standard Q&A, using innovative, projective techniques touncover key insights. The result is actionable research that helps shape our clients’ messagingand strategy. For more information about this presentation or to find out more about GPG’s research capabilities contact: Joel Johnson (jjohnson@gpgdc.com) or David Cantor (dcantor@gpgdc.com) 30